Hyperandrogenemia in adolescent girls: origins of abnormal GnRH secretion

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenemia (HA). Its origins begin peripubertally, as adolescent HA commonly leads to adult HA and decreased fertility. HA reduces inhibition of gonadotropin releasing hormone pulse frequency by proges...

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Published inBJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 117; no. 2; pp. 143 - 149
Main Authors Burt Solorzano, Christine M., McCartney, Christopher R., Blank, Susan K., Knudsen, Karen L., Marshall, John C.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.01.2010
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Summary:Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenemia (HA). Its origins begin peripubertally, as adolescent HA commonly leads to adult HA and decreased fertility. HA reduces inhibition of gonadotropin releasing hormone pulse frequency by progesterone, causing rapid LH pulse secretion and further increasing ovarian androgen production. Obese girls are at risk for HA and develop increased LH pulse frequency with elevated mean LH by late puberty. Many girls with HA do not exhibit normal LH pulse sensitivity to progesterone inhibition. Thus, HA may adversely affect LH pulse regulation during pubertal maturation leading to persistent HA.
ISSN:1470-0328
1471-0528
DOI:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02383.x